Ofarim trial: Star of David was not visible in the hotel
In the trial against the Jewish musician Gil Ofarim for defamation and false accusations, an expert witness has refuted an important statement made by the artist.
From entering the lobby to leaving the hotel, no chain with a Star of David was visible, said forensic expert Dirk Labudde at Leipzig District Court.
At the beginning of October 2021, the musician made serious accusations of anti-Semitism against a manager of the Leipzig hotel in an Instagram video. According to the singer, the man allegedly said that Ofarim should take off his Star of David and only then would he be allowed to check in. However, after extensive investigations by the public prosecutor's office, Ofarim himself was charged. The case against the hotel manager was dropped.
According to the expert, the chain with the Star of David was only recognizable when Ofarim recorded the Instagram video outside the hotel. The digital forensic expert had analyzed the surveillance camera footage in an extensive process. The expert's statements will continue on Thursday. This will also involve the behavior of those involved in the hotel lobby.
- Despite Gil Ofarim's allegations of being asked to remove his Star of David at the Leipzig hotel, forensic expert Dirk Labudde testified that no visible chain with a Star of David was observed during his entrance or exit from the hotel.
- Contrary to the musician's claim, the extensive investigation by the public prosecutor's office and the analysis of surveillance camera footage by digital forensic expert Labudde revealed that the Star of David was only apparent in the Instagram video recorded outside the hotel.
- The ongoing trial against Gil Ofarim for defamation and false accusations highlights the importance of proper investigations and processes in determining the truth, as even perceived instances of anti-Semitism can have serious consequences for individuals and their reputations.
Source: www.dpa.com
